Breaking Down The Span & Hanson Deals

Hanson to the Halos

The Angels traded former closer Jordan Walden to the Braves for starter Tommy Hanson. Atlanta has a surplus of starters so getting rid of Hanson for another solid bullpen arm makes sense. The Braves will most likely start the season with a rotation of Tim Hudson, Kris "money" Medlen, Mike Minor, Paul Maholm and either Randall Delgado or Julio Teheran. Atlanta is also expecting to get Brandon Beachy back in the middle of the season as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery. The Baves' bullpen will now add Walden to the mix along side closer Craig Kimbrel and setup guys Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty.

As for the Angels, Hanson offers front of the rotation stuff if he can remain healthy. He started 22 games in 2011 but bounced back with a solid 31 start season this past year. Hanson will join Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson in Los Angeles. Most pitchers moving from the NL to the AL worry me but I'm predicting the 26 year old Hanson to have immediate success in the AL West. His fantasy value right now, in my opinion, is that of a 3rd fantasy starter.

latimes.com

I'm usually cautious when it comes to pitchers that have a slight tear in their throwing shoulder but Hanson has proved himself fully capable of throwing over 200 innings. The best has yet to come from the 6' 6" Tulsa, Oklahoma native.

Keep in mind the Halos got rid of Ervin Santana and Dan Haren this off season. Santana was dealt to the Kansas City Royals for minor league left-hander Brandon Sisk. Haren was dealt to the Cubs for Carlos Marmol but, the trade fell through. Shortly after the Angels declined Haren's $15.5 million option to return to the club. Haren is still a free agent.

Span to the Nationals

The Nationals traded 2011 first round pick Alex Meyer to the Twins for 28 year old Outfielder Denard Span. Bryce Harper will shift to left field while Span plays center. Say goodbye to Adam LaRoche as the Nationals will probably move Michael Morse to first base next season. Here is my projected Nationals lineup for opening day:

In Meyer the Twins are getting a giant on the mound. A lengthy right handed pitcher whose fastball sits in the mid to upper 90's, Meyer is a future middle of the rotation starter that will hold fantasy value as early as this season. He becomes, arguably, the best pitcher in the Twins farm system. I have him ahead of Adrian Salcedo.